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Cabaye punished over conduct during Arsenal interest

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has revealed that midfielder Yohan Cabaye has been disciplined for his conduct after a summer bid from Arsenal.

The Gunners made a reported offer of around £10 million for the France international in August, which was swiftly rejected by Newcastle. However, Pardew admitted that the player's "head had been turned" by Arsenal's interest and the 27-year-old was dropped from the Magpies squad at the start of the season.

But after a move to the Emirates failed to materialise, Cabaye is now back in the Newcastle team and made his first start of the new campaign during the club's 2-1 win over Aston Villa last weekend.

Cabaye publicly apologised to Newcastle supporters this week and has now been disciplined by the club for actions. Pardew would not reveal the extent of the punishment, but says it was "accepted in good faith". He said:

"He's also been disciplined for his actions this week. He accepted that in good faith and therefore we move on now as far as I'm concerned.

"I think it would be nice if our 52,000 give him the support he now deserves for at least apologising for that and taking the punishment that came with it.

"It's now dead and gone. Now we just want Yohan to perform to the best of his ability. He's been brilliant this week again and, trust me, he's a fabulous player and very important to us."

– Alan Pardew, Newcastle United FC Manager

Cabaye is expected to play in Newcastle's Premier League match at home to Hull City on Saturday.